Cabins and yurt camping near Ridge, New York provide access to both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean shores. The area sits on a glacial moraine with elevations ranging from sea level to about 200 feet, creating a mix of woodland and coastal environments. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10 minutes from Wildwood State Park Campground to Long Island Sound beaches featuring rocky shorelines. "The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk. There are lots of stores nearby as well as orchards to pick your own fruits," notes camper Giselle P.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points at Smith Point County Park where both bay and ocean fishing are available. "Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view," shares Patrick C. who enjoyed the proximity to water.
Hiking trail networks: Accessible from multiple campgrounds with varying difficulty levels. At Mountain Lakes Park, "there are many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus," according to camper Ethan K.
Wine country tours: Located near several campgrounds on the north shore. James O. from Wildwood State Park Campground mentions, "It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound."
What campers like
Yurt accommodations: Mountain Lakes Park offers yurt camping in Ridge, New York area with comfortable shelter options. "A fun option available at Mountain lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," says Ethan K.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local fauna. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach," comments Giselle P. about Wildwood State Park.
Seasonal camping options: Year-round availability at select locations like Indian Island County Park. "Wonderful weekend visit in the off season. Site was level, pretty spacious and easy to back into. Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh," reports Janelle G., who visited during cooler months.
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds feature updated shower houses. "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground. Nice clean campground with the usual NY State Park quality," writes Amber A. about facilities at Wildwood State Park.
What you should know
Fire pit policies vary: Some campgrounds require rental or BYOFP (Bring Your Own Fire Pit). At Smith Point County Park, "An on site firepit was cozy at night," but Maxime T. notes about Indian Island: "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the campsites don't come with a fire ring."
Reservation windows: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for premium sites. "I've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. Recently they became very stringent about parking two vehicles at the site making it very difficult to visit with a family," reports Giselle P. about policy changes at Wildwood.
Beach conditions vary: North shore beaches tend to be rockier than south shore. Michael G. notes Smith Point has a "short walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean," while at Wildwood, campers report "the beach is very rocky, bring your water shoes."
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Wildwood, one camper notes "it's like a city of camping instead of the great outdoors" while another mentions "you can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas for different age groups. "It's nice for kids they have an open field with a playground for kids. There are dog friendly which was very nice," says Gino D. about Indian Island County Park.
Activity scheduling: Check campground calendars for organized events. At Niantic KOA, "So many activities for kids and family. Well maintained facilities. Kind and helpful staff," reports Bernie C.
Beach safety considerations: Different beaches have varying conditions and supervision levels. "Kids were roaming freely and safe!" notes one Wildwood visitor, while others mention the importance of water shoes for rocky beaches.
Campsite selection for families: Choose sites based on proximity to bathrooms and activities. One camper at Smith Point shares, "A stones throw away was one of several shower and rest room buildings. Clean and well lit. Our site had a trex picnic table on a cement patio."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Look for pull-through sites at certain campgrounds. At Wildwood State Park Campground, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," according to Lori R.
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer full hookups; check availability when booking. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," notes Kevin J. about Wolf's Den Family Campground.
Size restrictions apply: Older campgrounds may not accommodate larger rigs. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," warns a visitor to Wolf's Den Family Campground.
Seasonal RV options: Some parks offer year-round RV camping. An Indian Island visitor reports, "We had a great time at Indian Island, even if it was just for a short stay. The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family."
